Salt Fork State Park Guide

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Introduction

Nestled in the majestic open meadows and valleys of eastern Ohio, Salt Fork State Park is a haven for RVers featuring enchanting streams and beautiful tree-lined hills. As the largest state park in Ohio, you will love exploring over 17,000 acres of untouched natural beauty filled with outdoor recreation for the whole family. There are tons of activities you can enjoy in the great outdoors, from archery and boating to sledding and golf.

Salt Fork State Park is named for a salt well along the creek and is a prime destination for RVers year-round. You can enjoy warm days in the summer, with average temperatures in the mid-80s, to cooler winters, with temps reaching the 40s and high 30s. During the sunny days of summer, you will love swimming, boating, and golfing. During the colder months, you can still enjoy a range of outdoor activities like snowmobiling, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. If you love fishing you’ll be in for a treat during your RV escape to Salt Fork State Park--you’ll have the chance to catch largemouth pass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, and muskellunge.

This beautiful state park has a unique history since it is home to an area first settled by pioneers. During the summer, you can visit Sugar Tree Fork, which is a charming stone house built by an early resident of Guernsey County in 1837. Salt Fork State Park is known for its beautiful natural features that you won’t want to miss during your RV road trip. You can hike through towering oak, maple, and chestnut trees. You’ll enjoy wildlife viewing in a scenic setting where you can spot native animals such as red foxes, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Birding enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of a myriad of birds like owls, cardinals, and Kentucky warblers. You’ll also love taking photographs of beautiful wildflowers like geranium, violets, and large-flowered trillium. You can also explore geological features of the park, like massive, unique blocks of sandstone.

Transportation in Salt Fork State Park

Driving

Driving to the Salt Fork State Park will be a breeze since the park is located off Highway 77 and Route 22. Once inside the park there are a number of local paved roads to take you wherever you want to go. There are no driving restrictions for RVs or trailers inside the park.

Parking

You won’t have any trouble finding parking, whether you are driving a car or a big rig, since there are dozens of parking lots dotted around the park. Parking can be found at many trail heads and main attractions such as campgrounds, golfing areas, and marinas.

Public Transport

Campgrounds and parking in Salt Fork State Park

Campsites in Salt Fork State Park

Reservations camping

Salt Fork State Park Campground

Salt Fork State Park features a main campground divided into several loops, with 172 sites for RVs and tents with electricity and 40 sites for RVs and tents with full-hookups. This pet-friendly campground features a number of amenities including heated shower houses, restrooms, picnic tables, and a dump station. You’ll enjoy easy access to a separate beach, boat launching, and docking. There are several comfort stations throughout the park and a large camp store where you can stock up on food and souvenirs. Eighteen sites are accessible for wheelchairs. A horsemen’s camp is also located at the campground. You can reserve a campsite for up to 14 days at a time. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

First-come first-served

Salt Fork State Park Campground

Some of the sites at the pet-friendly Salt Fork State Park Campground are walk-in only. These sites may feature electricity or full hookups. There are many amenities at this campground including a dump station, shower houses, restrooms, picnic tables, and a camp store. During you’ll stay you’ll enjoy access to a private beach, boat launch, and dock.

Alternate camping

Lodge

The Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center is a hotel and retreat located right in the park. If you’d like to park your rig and enjoy more modern accommodations you can stay in one of the lodge’s 148 guest rooms. Amenities include a dining room, gift shop, coffee shop, and indoor game room. Plus, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on-site such as swimming pools, basketball, and tennis.

Cabins

If you’d rather park your RV off-site, you can stay at one of the 37 two-bedroom cabins or 17 chalet cabins that are open year-round. The two-bedroom cabins are located on the hill or on the lake and offer fully furnished living and dining areas as well as a bathroom, shower, kitchens stocked with cooking utensils, and screen porches. The chalet cabins are a perfect place for a getaway since they also feature hot tubs and gas log fireplaces. Pets are allowed to stay in select cabins.

Private Campgrounds

If you prefer to park your rig off-site there are a number of private campgrounds in the area. You can enjoy a range of modern amenities such as wireless internet, cable TV, or a swimming pool. These accommodations may vary from rustic to resort style, so you can choose the spot that best suits your needs.

Seasonal activities in Salt Fork State Park

In-Season

Boating

If you want to park your rig and get out on the water there are lots of opportunities here. Both motorized and non-motorized boats can be enjoyed on the 2,952-acre lake at Salt Fork state Park. With eight boat launching ramps around the lake you’ll be able to get on the water with ease. There are gasoline fuel stations and a variety of boat rentals available including kayaks and canoes.

Archery

Salt Fork State Park has a unique activity that the whole family can enjoy during your RV trip to Ohio. You can park the motorhome and head on over to the archery facility where novice and expert archers can practice the sport. The 12-station range is located near the entrance to the campground.

Dog Park

If you want to bring your four-legged companions with you on your next escape, you can at this state park! Your dogs will love a chance to run around and play in the one-acre dog park. This scenic dog park features lake access for dogs to splash and swim. You can also enjoy a quiet picnic at the nearby picnic table area.

Swimming

One of the best ways to beat the heat while you’re on your RV trip to Salt Fork State Park is to take a dip in the 2,500-foot public swimming beach. As one of the largest inland beaches in Ohio, you can enjoy hours swimming on the water or sunbathing on the shore. You’ll also enjoy convenient access to a nearby concession stand and shower house.

Golfing

For the avid golfer, Salt Fork State Park offers a top-notch 18-hole golf course on-site. You’ll enjoy hours of fun playing a game of golf, practicing on the putting green, or hitting balls on the driving range. You can also enjoy a bite to eat at the snack bar or load up on golfing supplies at the pro shop. A mini-golf course is also available for use at the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Off-Season

Picnicking

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, park your rig at one of the several picnic areas around the lake for a scenic meal. Each area is equipped with tables and grills, which are perfect for cooking up your favorite dishes while you enjoy the beauty of Ohio’s nature all around you.

Hiking

Salt Fork State Park is a haven for hikers with 14 scenic hiking trails located around the park that are suitable for all levels. If you are looking for a short easy route, take a stroll along the .32-mile Forest Crest Nature Trail and see beautiful views of the tree-lined hills around you. For a more moderate route, hike along the one-mile Beach Point Trail, featuring tranquil views of the water.

Horseback Riding

If you are an avid equestrian you will love the 72 miles of bridle trail located at Salt Fork State Park. You can horseback ride through enchanting forests and open meadows. If you take a trail by the lake you can soak in awe-inspiring views of the lake all around you.

Hunting & Fishing

If you want to go hunting during an RV vacation to Ohio you can hunt in designated areas within the park if you obtain a valid Ohio hunting license. You can hunt for rabbit, quail, deer, squirrel, and wild turkey. If you love fishing, you are in luck, since there are many popular bays and an artificial reef where you can bait your hook. You just might catch a number of fish species such as largemouth bass, walleyes, bluegills, crappies, and muskellunge.

Winter Recreation

If you happen to take an RV road trip to Salt Fork State Park during the winter, you are in luck. There are many activities you can still enjoy during the colder months. You can take the kids sledding or ice skating. Or you can explore the park while cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. If you’re up for a challenge, you can even go ice boating or ice fishing.